Head and neck cancer can be ruthless, with a survival rate of barely 50 per cent. While surviving this type of cancer can clearly be defined as success, it is often just the beginning of a long and painful journey for these patients.

Treatment for this type of cancer leaves patients with severe long-term issues. Often they can’t eat or speak. They become isolated, lose their jobs. Families can break apart.

How can you help change Albertans’ lives? Current swallowing therapy requires time and labour-intensive sessions for both patient and therapist. Many patients abandon their therapy as a result of that time commitment and travel needed.

Researchers in Alberta have developed a new miniaturized technology called Mobili-T, a take-home device smaller and lighter than a mobile phone that can be used remotely and comfortably in the patient’s home.

The Alberta Cancer Foundation has committed to $2 million over the next five years to help these patients return to their lives. Together, we can make an impact.